Definition: And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 9:11. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here's what it essentially means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse describes a position of leadership – a high-ranking official – within the Jewish community. “Azariah the son of Hilkiah…” : This refers to a specific person named Azariah. “…the son of Meshullam…” : Meshullam was a high priest in the Temple. “…the son of Zadok…” : Zadok was a very important leader and scribe who played a crucial role in establishing the Jewish religious laws (Torah). “…the son of Meraioth…” : Meraioth was another high priest, known for his wisdom and understanding. “…the son of Ahitub…” : Ahitub was a powerful figure, often associated with the priesthood. “the ruler of the house of God” : This is where it gets interesting. "The house of God" refers to the Jewish Temple – the central place for worship and ritual. So, Azariah was essentially the head or leader of that temple. In simpler terms: This verse tells us about a very important and powerful person – Azariah – who held a significant position within the Jewish community, specifically overseeing the Temple. Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning and has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. It’s a reminder that even high-ranking officials had responsibilities and influence! --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse was important at the time it was written? Discuss the potential interpretations of this verse within Jewish tradition? Give you a brief overview of what the story behind this verse is about?